Life at sea isn’t easy, what with the wild weather, cramped quarters and long hours. But luckily, there’s a place in New Bedford where sailors can go to find solace. Know as the Seamen’s Bethel, this charming facility functions as both a place of prayer and seamen memorial. The Seamen’s Bethel has been a Massachusetts landmark for nearly 2 centuries; Herman Melville even immortalized it in the classical novel Moby Dick. No trip to the waterside would be complete without a visit to this legendary church, so don’t delay. Take a tour of the Seamen’s Bethel today.

Leaving a good impression

The Seamen’s Bethel was originally built in the 1830’s as a response to local problems. New Bedford citizens and officials believed that the town’s 5000 seamen were living “arduous and licentious lifestyles” due to their reckless behaviour and lack of morals. So, on June 2nd, 1830 the New Bedford Port Society was formed in order to help create a place of morality in the sailing community. The Bethel was thus erected and the society was dedicated to the moral and religious improvement of New Bedford’s seamen.

Neat features to see during your Massachusetts car rental visit

Massachusetts car rental travelers will find a number of unique features located within the Seamen’s Bethel. One of the most noticeable items in the church is the bow-shaped pulpit which is designed to rise above the pews. However, this pulpit is not an original feature of the Bethel. The pulpit was actually dreamed into being inside the pages of Melville’s Moby Dick, and then again in the 1950’s film version. Many Massachusetts car rental visitors were disappointed to find that no such pulpit actually existed during the Bethel’s first 20 years. The current pulpit was created in 1961. Massachusetts car rental visitors will also find 31 black-framed cenotaphs bearing the names of whalemen and fishermen who were lost at sea inside the Bethel. A plague is also fixed to the pew where Melville sat during his 1840 visit.

What is a Bethel?

The term “Bethel” is derived from two Hebrew words, “Beth” and “El”. Beth means “house” while El means “God”. Thus, the Seamen’s Bethel is a House of God, or to more modern readers, a church. Today, the Seamen’s Bethel bears witness to non-denominational weddings, baptisms, Vesper Services and memorial services. Massachusetts car rental travelers are encouraged to visit as a part of their upcoming Verc rental car vacation.

Famous lines about the Seamen’s Bethel

“In the same New Bedford there stands a Whaleman’s Chapel, and few are the moody fishermen, shortly bound for the Indian Ocean or Pacific, who fail to make a Sunday visit to the spot.” – Herman Melville

When to visit the Bethel

Massachusetts car rental travelers can visit the Seamen’s Bethel Columbus Day through April and May through October. Winter hours run Monday through Friday from 11am to 1pm; Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. Summer hours are daily from 10am to 5pm. Massachusetts car rental travelers can also make appointments for private viewings. Donations can be made during any season.

A beacon in the dark

Massachusetts car rental travelers will find the Seamen’s Bethel at 15 Johnny Cake Hill in New Bedford. If you’re traveling from Providence, take I-95 to the Route I-195 east. From there, exit at 15 Downtown to Route 18 South. Hang a right when you come to the lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garages are located two blocks to the right. A short walk will separate you from the Seamen’s Bethel and a number of other whaling historical landmarks. Massachusetts car rental travelers can get more information by calling 1-508-992-3295.